Flexible pacifier

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a no slip vessel. The no slip vessel comprises a container, a platform, and a suction cup. The container has an open end and a closed end; the open end defines a containment zone. The platform is adjacent to the closed end and opposite the containment zone. The platform has a ring and a shaft. The ring has threads and is adapted to receive the suction cup. The suction cup is adapted to sealingly fit within the ring and has a shaft fixed to a region. The shaft has threads and is adapted to interact with the shaft translating rotational motion of the container to vertical motion of the shaft. The shaft vertical motion establishes an open position where the suction cup is unsealed with respect to a support surface and a closed position where the suction cup is sealed to a support surface.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/901,924, filed Sep. 18, 2019, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to tableware and containersand, more particularly, to a no slip vessel.

BACKGROUND

Vessels including containers and other tableware items such as cups arewidely available for many different uses. One class of vessel is a bowlor plate used to hold a variety of foodstuffs for eating. These vesselsare often used to feed children and babies. Youngsters, while learningtheir table manners, often will grab or slap at the vessel holding theirfoodstuffs knocking the vessel to the ground and spilling the contents.A variety of different solutions have been proposed that in one way oranother fix a container to its supporting surface restricting theability of the child to spill the vessel contents. Various approachesare described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,025,169; 8,028,850,8,757,418;9,814,332; 9,844,205 and 10,058,200. Other approaches are described inUS Patent Publication Nos. 2002/0040906, 2006/0201952 and 2018/0368594.In these prior solutions, the vessel or container is generally fixed orheld to the underlying surface in such a way that the vessel is releasedby lifting but not by lateral motion. This creates a problem with smallchildren who may grab the vessel in such a way as to release the vesseland causing the contents to spill. A need has arisen for a containerthat can be easily locked into position and not disrupted by childishantics.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a no slip vessel. The no slipvessel in one embodiment comprises a container, a base, a plunger, and asuction cup. The container has an open end and a closed end with aplatform adjacent the closed end. The platform has an outer ring and ashaft, the outer ring is adapted to receive the base and the shaft isadapted for receiving the plunger. The platform is configured for thecontainer and base to rotate relative to one another and for the plungerto move vertically relative to the container. The base is adapted forremovable attachment to the platform and has at least one opening forreceiving the shaft and the plunger. The base is adapted for translatingrotational motion relative to the container to vertical motion of theplunger. A suction cup is removably fixed to the base for contacting asupport surface. The suction cup has a deformable member having a firstposition adapted to seal to the support surface and a second positionadapted to release from the support surface. The plunger is attached tothe platform and to the base and adapted for vertical motion relative tothe base. The vertical motion of the plunger creates open and closedstates. In the closed state the plunger forms an airtight seal with thedeformable member of the suction cup to enhance the seal to the supportsurface. In the open state the plunger forms an opening in the surfaceof the suction cup to diminish the seal to the support surface. Inanother embodiment, the no slip vessel further comprises a seal insertedbetween the plunger and the base. In another embodiment, the no slipvessel further comprises a retaining sleeve fixing the suction cup tothe base. In another embodiment, the deformable member of the suctioncup is formed with an angle between 0° and 90°. In another embodiment,the deformable surface of the suction cup is formed with an angle lessthan 45° and as low as 15°. In another embodiment, the plunger and theshaft have complimentary threads. In another embodiment, the containeris a bowl. In another embodiment, the container is a plate. In anotherembodiment, the container is a cup.

In another embodiment, a no slip vessel comprises a container, a base, aplunger, and a suction cup. The container has two ends, an open end anda closed end opposite the open end, a platform constructed in the closedend. The platform has a fixture for receiving the base and a threadedshaft for receiving the plunger. The base is rotatably attached to thefixture. The base has a central opening for receiving the threaded shaftand the plunger. The suction cup is fixed to the base and adapted forcontacting a support surface. The suction cup has a deformable memberwith a curvature in the range of between 0° and 90°. The deformablemember has a central opening adapted to receive the plunger. The plungeris movably attached to the threaded shaft and has complimentary threadsto the threaded shaft. The plunger has arms fixing the plunger to thebase so that the plunger rotates with the base translating therotational motion to vertical motion relative to the threaded shaft. Theplunger has a face complimentary to the deformable member wherein thevertical motion of the plunger has a first end where the plunger faceforms an airtight seal with the suction cup and a second end where theplunger face forms an opening in the suction cup. In another embodiment,the base, plunger and suction cup are removably attached to thecontainer. In another embodiment, the base rotates relative to thecontainer. In another embodiment, the base rotates relative to thevessel establishing an open position where the vessel is not sealed tothe support surface, a closed position where the vessel is sealed to thesupport surface and a remove position where the base is detachable fromthe container.

In another embodiment, a no slip vessel comprises a container, aplatform, and a suction cup. The container has an open end and a closedend. The open end defines a containment zone. The platform is adjacentto the closed end and opposite the containment zone. The platform has aring and a shaft. The ring is adapted to receive the suction cup. Theshaft has threads. The suction cup is adapted to sealingly fit withinthe ring and has a shaft fixed to a region. The shaft has threads and isadapted to interact with the plunger translating rotational motion ofthe container to vertical motion of the plunger. The shaft verticalmotion establishes an open position where the suction cup is unsealedwith respect to a support surface and a closed position where thesuction cup is sealed to a support surface. In another embodiment, thesuction cup has an outer surface for contact with the support surfaceand an inner surface contacting the shaft. In another embodiment, thesuction cup has an outer surface for contact with the support surfaceand an inner surface contacting the shaft and the inner surface furthercomprises a stop for limiting the rotational motion of the container. Inanother embodiment, the platform has a third position releasing thesuction cup from the platform and the container. In another embodiment,the platform is fixed to the container. In another embodiment, the shaftis fixed to the suction cup. In another embodiment, the shaft andplunger have complimentary threads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shownin FIG. 1 in a non-vacuum state;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the embodiment of the circled region inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another side view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 1 in a non-vacuum state;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing theembodiment of FIG. 1 in the assembled position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing theembodiment of FIG. 1 in the assembled start position;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing theembodiment of FIG. 1 in the vacuum engagement position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vessel useful in practicing variousembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base useful in practicing theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the base shown in FIG. 11 and useful inpracticing the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a suction cup useful in practicing theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the suction cup shown in FIG. 13 and useful inpracticing the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retainer useful in practicing theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the retainer shown in FIG. 15 and useful inpracticing the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a plunger useful in practicing theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the plunger shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cross section of the plunger shown in FIG. 17 along theline 19-19;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a seal useful in practicing theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the seal shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the seal shown in FIGS. 20 and 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a fixture useful in practicing thesecond embodiment of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the fixture shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a suction cup useful in practicing thesecond embodiment of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the suction cup shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a plunger useful in practicing thesecond embodiment of FIG. 23;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the plunger of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the plunger of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the plunger of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the vessel shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a cross section of the vessel shown in FIG. 35 along the line36-36;

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of a base useful in practicing thethird embodiment of FIG. 33;

FIG. 38 is a top view of the base of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a side view of the base of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is a top view of the insert of the base of FIG. 37; and

FIG. 41 is a side view of the insert shown in FIG. 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments asillustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described inconnection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit thedisclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On thecontrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of one embodiment of thepresent invention, no slip vessel 10 is shown. No slip vessel 10includes container 12 having handles 14. Container 12 has an open end 16and closed end 18. Open end 16 defines a containment zone 32 suitablefor holding food products or the like. Attached to closed end 18 isplatform 24. Connected to platform 24 is base 20 and suction cup 22.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 1, shows the detailed components of theFIG. 1 embodiment. No slip vessel 10 is comprised of container 12 havingplatform 24 adapted to removably attach plunger 26, base 20 and suctioncup 22. Seal 28 is provided for creating a tight fit between plunger 26and base 20. The entire assembly is held in place with retainer 30.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the no slip vessel 10 in the firstembodiment comprises a container 12, a base 20 a plunger 26, and asuction cup 22. The container 12 has an open end 16 and a closed end 18with a platform 24 adjacent the closed end 18. Container 12 is shown asa bowl but could take any form such as a plate or cup. Referring toFIGS. 6-9, the platform 24 has outer ring 40 and a tube or shaft 34, theouter ring 40 is adapted to receive the base 20 and the shaft 34 isadapted for receiving the plunger 26. Still referring to FIGS. 6-9, theplatform 24 is configured for the container 12 and base 20 to rotaterelative to one another and for the plunger 26 to move verticallyrelative to the container 12. The base 20 is adapted for removableattachment to the platform 24 and has at least one opening 25 (FIG. 11)for receiving the shaft 34 and the plunger 26. The base 20 is adaptedfor translating rotational motion relative to the container 12 tovertical motion of the plunger 26. A suction cup 22 is removably fixedto the base 20 for contacting a support surface. The suction cup 22 hasa deformable member 23 having a first position adapted to seal to thesupport surface and a second position adapted to release from thesupport surface. The deformable member 23 is constructed with an angleof between 0° and 90°, preferably 15°. The various positions andoperations of the invention are shown in more detail in FIGS. 7-9. Theplunger 26 is attached to the platform 24 and to the base 20 and adaptedfor vertical motion relative to the base 20. The vertical motion of theplunger 26 creates open and closed states, see FIGS. 7-9. In the closedstate, FIG. 9, the plunger 26 forms an airtight seal with the deformablemember 23 of the suction cup 22 to enhance the seal to the supportsurface. In the open state, FIG. 8, the plunger 26 forms an opening inthe surface of the suction cup 22 to diminish the seal to the supportsurface.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 1, suction cup 22 is shown the deformable member23 in the non-vacuum state spaced away from base 20. Referring now toFIG. 4, a cross-section view of the line 4-4 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, anenlarged view of the embodiment of the circled region in FIG. 4, detailsof how platform 24, base, 20, suction cup 22, plunger 26, seal 28 andretainer 30 are assembled is explained. Platform 24 is show in thepreferred embodiment integral with the closed end 18 of container 12.Platform 24 has shaft 34 with external threads 36 that are complimentaryto internal threads 38 of plunger 26. Platform 24 also has ring 40 andinner sidewall 42 that form region 44 for positioning and receiving base20. Ring 40 has an undercut (not shown) that is complimentary tooverhang 46 of base 20. Base 20, plunger 26, seal, 28 and suction cup 22are attached to platform 24 of container 12 by retainer 30.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shownin FIG. 1 in the non-vacuum state. The various states of no slip vessel10 are shown in FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the line7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 6 in the assembledposition. FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6showing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 6 in the assembled start position.FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 6 in the vacuum engagement position.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6,shows the interaction of platform 24 and base 20 when no slip vessel 10is in position for initial assembly. Base inner ring 48 is shown withtabs one through four, 50, 52, 54 and 56. Adjacent tab three 54 is notchone 58 and adjacent tab 56 is notch two 60. Inner sidewall 42 isconfigured to interact with base inner ring 48. Inner sidewall 42 hastooth one 62, tooth two 64 and tooth three 66. In the assemble position,tooth two 64 has been turned clockwise past notch 58. It should be notedthat the directions are described from the perspective of a user viewingno slip container 10 from the top. So clockwise motion when viewed fromthe top perspective will be viewed as counterclockwise motion whenviewed from the bottom perspective. Ring 40 has prongs one, two andthree 68, 70 and 72. Base outer ring 74 has gaps one, two and three 76,78 and 80. Prong one 68 aligns with gap one 76, prong two 70 aligns withgap two 78 and prong three 72 aligns with gap three 80. When the prongsand gaps are aligned, base 20 can be is in position to be attached toplatform 24 of container 12. As container 12 and platform 24 are rotatedclockwise, prongs one, two and three, 68, 70 and 72 pass under anundercut 82 (FIG. 11) of base outer ring 74. Prongs one, two and three68, 70 and 72, are dimensioned so they form a tight fit with theundercut 82 of base outer ring 74. The configurations of FIGS. 7-9 areshown with container 12 and platform 24 rotating relative to base 20 ina clockwise direction. To disassemble container 12 from base 20,container 12 together with platform 24 are rotated counterclockwise.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6,no slip vessel 10 is shown assembled and in the start or open positionwith no vacuum suction. Container 12 and platform 24 have been rotatedclockwise so that tooth two 64 on inner sidewall 42 is aligned withnotch one 58 on base inner ring 48. The rotation of container 12 alsocauses shaft 34 to rotate. The rotation of shaft 34 with externalthreads 36 translates the rotational motion of container 12 to verticalmotion of the plunger 26 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

Referring now to FIG. 9, a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6,no slip vessel 10 is shown assembled and vacuum position. Container 12and platform 24 has been rotated clockwise so that tooth two 64 is nowaligned with notch two 60. The rotation of container 12 causes shaft 34to further rotate translating the rotational motion of container 12 tovertical motion of the plunger 26 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Plunger 26 rises awayfrom a support surface for supporting no slip vessel 10 increasing thevacuum holding no slip vessel 10 in place.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a vessel useful inpracticing the embodiment of FIG. 1, no slip vessel 10 is showncomprising container 12 with open end 16 and closed end 18. Open end 16defines a containment zone for holding foodstuffs and the like.Container 12 is shown with handles 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively a perspective view and aside view of a base useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, thevarious tabs and notches of base 20 are depicted. Base 20 has base outerring 74 and base inner ring 48 mounted on platform 86. Platform 86 isconfigured to conform to suction cup 22. Base outer ring 74 has overhang46 dimensioned to form undercut 82. Base outer ring 74 includes gapsone, two and three, 76, 78 and 80. Base inner ring 48 includes tabs 84that align with notches 88 of retainer 30. Base inner ring 48 alsoincludes tabs one through four, 50, 52, 54 and 56, that interact withcomplimentary teeth one through three, 62, 64 and 66. Associated withtab three 54 is notch one 58 and associated with tab four 56 is notchtwo 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively a perspective view and aside view of a suction cup useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG.1, suction cup 22 is described in detail. Suction cup 22 has boot 90that forms a vacuum with a supporting surface. In the preferredembodiment, boot 90 is deformable and has a curvature so that when itrests on a supporting surface it forms an air tight seal along edge 96.Suction cup 22 is provided with disk 94 that has spacers 92 that areadapted to mate with corresponding gaps in the bottom of base 20.Suction cup 22 is also provided with shoulder 98 that is configured toreceive retainer 30. In the preferred embodiment, suction cup 22 isconstructed of a flexible material such as silicone.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively a perspective view and aside view of a retainer useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1,is described in detail. Retainer 30 comprises wall 100 positioned onledge 104. Wall 100 is configured with notches 88 adapted to receivetabs one through four, 52, 54, 56, 58, of base 20 and wings 108 ofplunger 26. Wall 100 has loop 102 that is adapted to fit over shoulder98 of suction cup 22 so that suction cup 22 is removably fastened toretainer 30. Also, retainer 30 makes a removably rigid attachment tobase 20 at retainer ring 85. Each of notches 88 has stops 106 to restagainst tabs one through four, 52, 54, 56, 58, of base 20. Each ofnotches 88 are adapted to receive wings 108 of plunger 26. In thepreferred embodiment, retainer 30 is constructed of a rigid materialsuch as polypropylene.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a perspective view of a plunger useful inpracticing the embodiment of FIG. 1, plunger 26 is described in detail.Plunger 26 is comprised of two main components, tube 110 and seal 28.Tube 110 includes wings 108 and internal threads 38. In the preferredembodiment, tube 110 is constructed of a hard material such aspolypropylene and seal 28 is constructed of a soft flexible rubber-likematerial such as silicone or an equivalent rubber-like material. Seal 28can be adapted so that it is removably fixed to tube 110 or in analternative embodiment it can be permanently fixed using standard overmolding techniques well known to those skilled in the industry. Internalthreads 38 are adapted to be complimentary to the external threads 36 ofshaft 34.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a top view of a plunger useful in practicingthe embodiment of FIG. 1, and FIG. 19, a cross section of the plungershown in FIG. 17 along the line 19-19, an embodiment of plunger 26wherein seal 28 is removably attached to tube 110 is described inadditional detail. Tube 110 is configured with slot 112 formed by top116 and bottom 118. Slot 112 is adapted to receive finger 114 of seal28. In this embodiment, tube 110 is constructed of a hard or rigidmaterial and seal 28 is constructed of a flexible material so thatfinger 114 slides over bottom 118 to fit snuggly in slot 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, respectively a perspective view, atop view and a side view of a seal useful in practicing the embodimentof FIG. 1, seal 28 is shown in detail. In this embodiment seal 28 isshown removed from tube 110. Seal 28 is shown with finger 114 that fitsinto slot 112. Seal 28 has interference seal 27 that has an outsidediameter that is greater than the diameter of inner wall 31. Seal 28also has pressure seal 29 that presses against inner wall 31. Thecombination of interference seal 27 and pressure seal 29 create anairtight fit for plunger 26.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a perspective view of second embodiment of thepresent invention, shows an alternative embodiment of no slip vessel 10where base 20 is replaced by fixture 120 shown in FIG. 24. No slipvessel 10 includes container 212 having handles 214. Container 212 hasan open end 216. Open end 216 defines a containment zone 215 suitablefor holding food products or the like. Attached to container 212 isplatform 224. Connected to platform 224 is suction cup 222. In thisembodiment, suction cup 222 is attached to platform 224 by way offixture 120.

Referring now to FIG. 24, an exploded view of the second embodiment ofthe present invention shown in FIG. 23, the various components of analternative embodiment of no slip vessel 10 are described. Container 212is shown with the details of platform 224 described. Platform 224 hasouter wall 122 for receiving fixture 120. Suction cup 222 is adapted tofit within inside ring 126 of fixture 120. Retainer 130 is adapted toremovably attach suction cup 222 and fixture 120 to platform 224 ofcontainer 212.

Still referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, in a second embodiment, a no slipvessel 10 comprises a container 212 with a platform 224, a fixture 120,and a suction cup 222. The container has two ends, an open end 216 and aclosed end, not shown, opposite the open end 216, a platform 224 isconstructed adjacent the closed end. The platform 224 attaches to afixture 120 for attaching the suction cup 222 to container 212. Thefixture 120 is rotatably attached to the platform 224. The fixture 120has a central opening 218 for receiving a threaded portion 226 and theretainer 130. The suction cup 222 is fixed to the platform 224 and thefixture 120 and adapted for contacting a support surface. The suctioncup 222 has a deformable member 228 with a curvature in the range ofbetween 0° and 90°. The deformable member 228 has a central opening 230for receiving a threaded portion 226 of platform 224 and the retainer130. The retainer 130 is movably attached to the threaded portion 226and has complimentary threads. The rotation of container 212 causesthreaded portion 226 of platform 224 to rotate translating therotational motion to vertical motion of retainer 130 and suction cup222. The suction cup 222 has a deformable member 228 wherein thevertical motion of suction cup 222 has a first position where thedeformable member 228 of suction cup 228 forms an airtight seal with thesupporting surface and a second position where the interface betweensuction cup 222 and fixture 120 creates an opening releasing the vacuumbetween suction cup 222 and the support surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, respectively a perspective view and aside view of a fixture useful in practicing the second embodiment ofFIG. 23, fixture 120 is shown in detail. Fixture 120 has posts 128 thatalign within platform 224.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, respectively a perspective view and aside view of a suction cup useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG.23, suction cup 222 is shown in detail. Suction cup 222 has deformablemember 228 and tabs 234 that align with slots 236 along inside ring 126of retainer 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 29, 30, 31 and 32, respectively a perspectiveview, a top view, a bottom view and a side view of a retainer useful inpracticing the embodiment of FIG. 23, details of retainer 130 aredescribed. Retainer 130 has shoulder 238 fixed to wall 252. At the topof wall 252 is rail 246 with gaps 244. The bottom edge of rail 246 formsundercut 250. On the inner surface 254 of wall 252 are ledges 242. Inledges 242 are opening 240.

Referring now to FIG. 33, a perspective view of a third embodiment ofthe present invention, shows an alternative embodiment of no slip vessel10 where the functions of fixture 120, suction cup 22 and retainer 130have been merged into base 132. No slip vessel 10 includes container 312having handles 314. Container 312 has an open end 316. Open end 316defines a containment zone 332 suitable for holding food products or thelike. Attached to container 312 is platform 324. Connected to platform324 is base 132.

Referring now to FIG. 34, an exploded view of the embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 33, details of base 132 are described.Base 132 includes suction cup 334 and shaft 136 having external threads138. Shaft 136 form part of insert 138 that together with suction cup334 forms base 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, respectively a bottom view and a crosssectional view along the line 36-36 of the vessel shown in FIG. 33,platform 324 is described in detail. Platform 324 includes outer wall140 adapted to cooperate with suction cup 334 to form an airtight sealwith a supporting surface and thus creating a vacuum. Platform 324 alsohas an integral hub 142 with inner threads 144 that are complimentary toexternal threads 138 of shaft 136. Platform 324 also has hold down wall340 that abuts inner surface 338 of suction cup 334 hold suction cup 334in position while the bottom portion of insert 146 to create a vacuumbetween outer surface 336 of suction cup 334 and the supporting surface.

Still referring to FIGS. 33-36, in the third embodiment, a no slipvessel 10 comprises a container 312, a platform 324, and a base 132. Thecontainer 312 has an open end 316, handles 314 and a closed end (notshown). The open end 316 defines a containment zone 332. The platform324 is adjacent to the closed end and opposite the containment zone 332.The base 132 has an insert 146 fixed to a suction cup 334. The suctioncup 334 has an outer surface 336 for contacting the support surface andan inner surface 338 for contacting platform 324. Insert 146 has shaft136 with external threads 138. The suction cup 334 is adapted tosealingly fit within platform 324. The shaft 136 has external threads138 and is adapted to interact with the hub 142 translating rotationalmotion of the container to vertical motion of the shaft 136 and suctioncup 334. The vertical motion of shaft 136 establishes an open positionwhere the suction cup is unsealed with respect to a support surface anda closed position where the suction cup is sealed to a support surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, respectively a top perspective viewand a top view of a base useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 33,the details of base 132 are described. Base 132 includes insert 146 andsuction cup 334. In the preferred embodiment, suction cup 334 iscomprised of a generally soft, flexible material, such as silicone,while insert 146 is constructed of a rigid material such aspolypropylene. In one embodiment, suction cup 334 has side fitting 150for receiving insert 146. In an alternative embodiment, suction cup 334can be over molded on to insert 146.

Referring now to FIG. 39, a side view of the base of FIG. 37, suctioncup 334 is shown with insert 146 assembled and enclosed by side fitting150 and surrounded by suction cup 334. Shaft 136 is shown with externalthreads 138.

Referring now to FIGS. 40 and 41, respectively a top view and a sideview of the insert of the base of FIG. 37, a detailed description ofinsert 146 is provided. Shaft 136 is fixed to disk 152. Shaft 136 isshown with external threads 138. Disk 152 has holes 342 that are usefulin the overmolding process.

Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will beclear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes,modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may bemade. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should thereforebe seen as within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is: 1: A no slip vessel comprising: A container, a base,a plunger, and a suction cup; The container having an open end and aclosed end with a platform adjacent the closed end, the platform havingan outer ring and a shaft, the outer ring is adapted to receive the baseand the shaft is adapted for receiving the plunger, the platform isconfigured for the container and base to rotate relative to one anotherand for the plunger to mover vertically relative to the container; Thebase adapted for removable attachment to the platform and having atleast one opening for receiving the shaft and the plunger, the baseadapted for translating rotational motion relative to the container tovertical motion of the plunger; A suction cup removably fixed to thebase for contacting a support surface, the suction cup having a shaft,the suction cup having a first position adapted to seal to the supportsurface and a second position adapted to release from the supportsurface; and The plunger attached to the platform and to the base andadapted for vertical motion relative to the base, the vertical motion ofthe plunger creating open and closed states, in the closed state theplunger forms an airtight seal with the deformable member of the suctioncup to enhance the seal to the support surface and in the open state theplunger forms an opening in the surface of the suction cup to diminishthe seal to the support surface. 2: The no slip vessel of claim 1,further comprising a seal inserted between the plunger and the base. 3:The no slip vessel of claim 1, further comprising a retaining sleevefixing the suction cup to the base. 4: The no slip vessel of claim 1,wherein the deformable member of the suction cup is formed with an anglebetween 0° and 90°. 5: The no slip vessel of claim 1, wherein thedeformable member of the suction cup is formed with an angle less than45°. 6: The no slip vessel of claim 1, wherein the plunger and the shafthave complimentary threads. 7: The no slip vessel of claim 1, whereinthe container is a bowl. 8: The no slip vessel of claim 1, wherein thecontainer is a plate. 9: The no slip vessel of claim 1, wherein thecontainer is a cup. 10: A no slip vessel comprising: A container, abase, a plunger, and a suction cup; The container having two ends, anopen end and a closed end opposite the open end, a platform constructedin the closed end where the platform has a fixture for receiving thebase and a threaded shaft for receiving the plunger; The base rotatablyattached to the fixture, the base having a central opening for receivingthe threaded shaft and the plunger, A suction cup fixed to the base andadapted for contacting a support surface, the suction cup having adeformable member with a curvature in the range of between 0° and 90°,the deformable member having a central opening adapted to receive theplunger; The plunger movably attached to the threaded shaft and havingcomplimentary threads to the threaded shaft, the plunger having armsfixing the plunger to the base so that the plunger rotates with the basetranslating the rotational motion to vertical motion relative to thethreaded shaft, the plunger have a face complimentary to the deformablemember wherein the vertical motion of the plunger has a first end wherethe plunger face forms an airtight seal with the suction cup and asecond end where the plunger face forms an opening in the suction cup.11: The no slip vessel of claim 10, wherein the base, plunger andsuction cup are removably attached to the container. 12: The no slipvessel of claim 10, wherein the base rotates relative to the container.13: The no slip vessel of claim 10, wherein the base rotates relative tothe vessel establishing an open position where the vessel is not sealedto the support surface, a closed position where the vessel is sealed tothe support surface and a remove position where the base is detachablefrom the container. 14: A no slip vessel comprising: A container, aplatform, and a suction cup; The container having an open end and aclosed end; the open end defining a containment zone; The platformadjacent to the closed end and opposite the containment zone; theplatform having a ring and a shaft, the ring adapted to receive thesuction cup; the shaft having threads; and The suction cup adapted tosealingly fit within the ring and having a shaft fixed to a region, theshaft having threads and adapted to interact with the shaft translatingrotational motion of the container to vertical motion of the shaft, theshaft vertical motion establishing an open position where the suctioncup is unsealed with respect to a support surface and a closed positionwhere the suction cup is sealed to a support surface. 15: The no slipvessel of claim 14, wherein the suction cup has an outer surface forcontact with the support surface and an inner surface contacting theshaft. 16: The no slip vessel of claim 14, wherein the suction cup hasan outer surface for contact with the support surface and an innersurface contacting the shaft, the inner surface further comprising astop for limiting the rotational motion of the container. 17: The noslip vessel of claim 14, wherein the platform has a third positionreleasing the suction cup from the platform and the container. 18: Theno slip vessel of claim 14, wherein the platform is fixed to thecontainer. 19: The no slip vessel of claim 14, wherein the shaft isfixed to the suction cup. 20: The no slip vessel of claim 14, whereinthe shaft and shaft have complimentary threads.